mobilencsu - H4 ELA Module

Description of Tool or App

"Shakespeare in Bits" is a great app for any teacher wanting to teach Shakespeare's plays! There are so many different parts of this app that make Shakespeare more available to students of middle school age and higher! "Shakespeare in Bits" offers users a variety of tools to aide in comprehension. It also offers users visual animations of each Scene, even breaking the scene into smaller "bits" to make the text more accessible. I would give this app a 3.5 star (out of 4 star) rating, taking away half a star for the costs.

There are two main parts of Shakespeare in bits. The first component, called "Play," I consider the main part because it includes the actual text of the play. On the left, this component has a visual animation of the bits of the play. This animation can have subtitles or not, depending on the users preference. On the right, the user can follow along with the unabridged text from the play. Within the text, certain words are highlighted. The user can tap these words to access more modern English translations. Also in this part, the user can tap "Notes" or "Synopsis" to read more in-depth details about what is happening in the scene. Finally, this component offers a space for the user to make notes of his/her own.

There are other important components of this app. The first is the "Scenes" section. This allows the user to navigate quickly and easily between the Acts/Scenes of the play. The "Cast" section allows users to read descriptions of the characters and see a "Relationship Map" that shows how the characters are related to one another. The other section is the "Analysis" section. In this section, users can read in-depth plot summaries of the play. All of the components of this app allow the users a fully in-depth, in detail guide to the play. What I like most is that it is broken down into small, bite sized bits so that students are not overwhelmed with a very difficult text.

Benefits of Tool or App

Students can view animations of each scene to help them understand what they are reading.
Difficult Old English terms are translated for the students to help with comprehension.
"Cast" provides in-depth descriptions of the characters in the play to help with comprehension.
Students using the app are able to take notes about their thoughts or questions while reading and viewing the Acts/Scenes.
Students are able to read expert "Notes," "Synopsis," and "Analysis" to help with comprehension.
The same information available on the app is also available on a PC, MAC, and Smart Phones.
Mind Connex describes many more benefits of this app/tool.

Constraints of Tool or App

Each play costs $14.99.
Only 5 Shakespeare plays are currently available.
The "Notes" section is per device, so students (and the teacher) cannot share thoughts through the app.
"Shakespeare in Bits Live!" has a subscription fee.
Not all difficult language is available to click for the modern translation.

How To Use Tool or App

iPad App
Using the iPad App is easy! After installing the app using the App Store, follow these directions:

When you first open the app, you will see a green button for "Store." Use this button to purchase the play(s) you want to use. Purchasing a play is just like purchasing an app.
Back on the home page, there is a subheading for "currently viewing." Under this subheading is the button to "Launch Play." Click it!
The first screen you will see is depicted in the first image under "iPad App" below, entitled "Main Part." On the left you see the animation and on the right you see the text. You can also see the highlighted phrases that are available to click for a more updated translation.
On this screen, you can also see the the buttons for "Notes," "Synopsis," and "My Notes." (These sections were described earlier.)
At the bottom, you can see options for the "Cast," "Scenes," and "Analysis" components of the app. The second image below is a picture from the "Cast" component.
This app is very easy to navigate and users can click between features as often as wanted.

PC Program
Using the PC program is just as easy as using the app, only you need to download it first:

Go to the website: Mind Connex.
You will see a section on the right called "Free Trial Downloads."
Click "PC" or "MAC" under the play that you want to purchase. This will start the download. Once it is complete it will prompt you to "Run" the program.
Once the program is installed, it should open.
When you launch the program, it will give you the option on the bottom left to purchase the full version.
The PC program has the same features as the app, except there is no section to take your own notes. On the last screen shot below you can see that the animation is still on the left with the text on the right.
Navigation through the program is slightly different than the app. At the top of the screen you see the options for "Main Menu" and "Scenes." You have to go back to the "Main Menu" to get from the play and notes to the characters and analysis. The "Scenes" is set up like the app, allowing for easy navigation between the Acts/Scenes of the play.
The program is easy to navigate and use.

Original Artifact of Tool or App (created by someone in your house)

iPad App

Main Part

"Cast" Component

PC View - Internet

Download Romeo and Juliet

PC View - Program

Use the program on your PC.

Classroom Uses for Tool or App

Student Uses

Students can use the app to read Romeo and Juliet or another Shakespeare play.
Students can use the app to watch cartoon animations of the Acts/Scenes of Romeo and Juliet or another Shakespeare play.
Students can click on the highlighted words in the text of the play to see a modern translation to help with meaning.
Students can click the "Cast" button to read character descriptions.
Students can use "My Notes" to take notes about what they are reading.

Teacher Uses

Teachers can use "My Notes" to make note of questions they want to ask, student thoughts, or their own reflections on the lesson.
Teachers can use "Analysis" with (or without) the students to get a in-depth summary of what is happening in the play.
Teachers can project the text and cartoon animations for class viewing/discussion.
Teachers can work with students while reading the play and use the highlighted text to discuss the modern translations.
Teachers can sign up for "Shakespeare in Bits Live!" to get an online subscription that brings all the plays available to the students from home or school.